From the Experts: How to Future-Proof Manufacturing Supply Chains With 3D Printing

It’s true the coronavirus pandemic snapped the global supply chain – that’s no question – but it also has illuminated opportunities, new and existing, to strengthen what once was. Because of what’s transpired, supply chain security has never been more critical to success.

As manufacturers continue to search for ways to increase their supply chain’s agility, many can find the solution without looking beyond their shop floors.

3D printing provides significant potential value to modernize and streamline supply chains so they can better flex with market demand.

Essentium recently commissioned a 3^rd party research report, Trends in 3D Printing at Scale, that details how 3D printing has continued to alleviate manufacturers’ burdens. We also consulted with three experts from across the 3D printing world to get their takes on what manufacturers can do and expect when using 3D printing to future-proof supply chains.

What 3D Printing Can Do to Future-Proof Supply Chains

3D Printing Makes for an Agile Supply Chain Through Digitization

Terry Wohlers

Principal Consultant & President – Wohlers Associates, Inc.

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3D printing creates an agile supply chain that limits the need for large, physical inventories. With additive manufacturing (AM), replacement parts can be stored digitally and produced on demand, instead of sitting on shelves. Also, if a production problem occurs, it can be addressed in hours or a couple of days instead of weeks or months when tooling is required.

“3D printing creates an agile supply chain that limits the need for large, physical inventories.” @terrywohlers

3D Printing Streamlines Supply Chains

Pete Basiliere

Managing Director – Monadnock Insights

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The term “supply chain” implies multiple sources for all the components used to produce a finished good. Manufacturers can future-proof their supply chain with 3D printers by using them in various locations where skilled operators are present, and the printers are set up to manufacture items with the quality that every other site achieves.

“Manufacturers can future-proof their supply chain with 3D printers by using them in various locations where skilled operators are present, and the printers are set up to manufacture items with the quality that every other site achieves.” @petebasiliere

Designing for a Process is Good; Making it Specific to One Company is too Risky
Stacey DelVecchio

President – StaceyD Consulting

Follow Stacey: Twitter | LinkedIn

Design in what is being printed. Making the design specific to a certain process is good. Making it specific to a specific company is just a deterrent. If I was evaluating new processes, I would not look at one that is specific to just one company as the risk is too high. That company could go out of business or get acquired. The risk on supply chain continuity would be too great. But looking at a specific process like PBF or DED would be ok to design around.

How can companies’ future-proof supply chains? “Design in what is being printed. Making the design specific to a certain process is good. Making it specific to a specific company is just a deterrent.” @staceydel

The Future of Supply Chains Includes 3D Printing

We hope this gives you a start on strengthening your supply chain, and thanks to our experts for their insightful perspectives. To learn more, check out the report, Trends in 3D Printing at Scale.

Now we’re curious to get your perspective: Are you already using 3D printing to strengthen your supply chain? If so, how? If not, what are your plans for protecting your supply chain?

Essentium, Inc. provides industrial 3D printing solutions that are disrupting traditional manufacturing processes by bringing product strength and production speed together, at scale, with an open ecosystem and material set. Essentium manufactures and delivers innovative industrial 3D printers and materials enabling the world’s top manufacturers to bridge the gap between 3D printing and machining to embrace the future of additive manufacturing.